Northern Devils out to steam Hobart's Rollers

A NORTH-SOUTH clash will next month see Launceston's Devil State Derby League and Hobart's Convict City Rollers come head-to-head in brutal competition.

A NORTH-SOUTH clash will next month see Launceston's Devil State Derby League and Hobart's Convict City Rollers come head-to-head in brutal competition.

The Aurora Sports Stadium game will be the first match for both roller derby teams since returning from the national Great Southern Slam tournament in Adelaide.

A long-standing rivalry between the two is certain to see Devil State Derby players fight tooth and nail for success against the southern side, something they are yet to achieve.

Devil players Valentine Vendetta and Cruella de Wheelz said they would be training hard to close the gap before the August 2 play-off.

``So far we've not been able to beat them, but we've come close before,'' de Wheelz said.

``They're probably the closest team to us in the state.''

Vendetta said the team had begun to take a more serious attitude towards training sessions _ angling for clever play over physicality.

She said that was particularly important when approaching Convict City's strong competitiveness.

``They put a lot of time and effort into their training,'' she said.

``They take it very seriously and are a close group _ they've got great sportswomanship.

``We think it will be a close match.''

For more information about the sport or Devil State Derby League, go to www.devilstatederbyleague.com.au.

Launceston's Devil State Derby League members Valentine Vandetta, Cruella de Wheelz, Rambo Sambo and Bloodnut Betty will be out to roll Hobart's Convict City Rollers next month. Picture: NEIL RICHARDSON